For pedestrians and cyclists, getting across the Ben Franklin Bridge between Camden and Philadelphia isn’t easy, and it’s impossible for wheelchair users. Fortunately, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) recently announced that it will host a public meeting to discuss how to create a bridge that accommodates all users.

The Ben Franklin Bridge South Walkway Bicycle and Pedestrian Ramp project aims to build an accessible ramp, which will replace a stair tower on the bridge’s New Jersey side. Currently, westbound cyclists must carry their bikes up three flights of stairs before they can ride across the bridge. Those in wheelchairs have no option whatsoever. The DRPA Board voted to move forward with designing the ramp in February 2012 after receiving letters in support of the project from 15 organizations and elected officials, including Tri-State, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, NJ Senators Lautenberg and Menendez, Rutgers University-Camden, Campbell’s Soup and AARP.

Those who attend the public meeting will be able to comment on multiple design alternatives for the ramp. DRPA engineers and design consultants will explain the design concepts, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each and answer questions or address concerns. Feedback will be conveyed to the DRPA Board of Commissioners, which will make the final decision about which design to accept.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 14 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the 11th Floor Board Room at One Port Center.  A brief presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The design alternatives that will be presented are not yet finalized, but the differences between prior iterations centered around whether the ramp would include one or two switchbacks, or whether it would instead be a single continuous ramp that would follow the slope of the existing bridge straight down. The DRPA will also present updated alternatives that seek to widen a section of the existing walkway which is too narrow for multiple cyclists or those in wheelchairs to safely navigate. A design that includes no switchbacks and improves the narrow walkway section is ideal, because it would maximize user convenience, minimize the visual impact to the bridge and would allow for continuous eastbound travel to downtown Camden and points beyond.

Once complete, the ramp will be a centerpiece of The Circuit regional trail network and will connect to existing and planned street improvement and trail projects on both sides of the river.

If you cannot make the meeting in person, inquiries or comments about the project can be emailed to the DRPA at bikeramp@drpa.org.